RMAF plans to procure new helicopters

KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) plans to procure new helicopters to replace its 'Nuri' choppers in addition to its existing assets.

Without divulging further information, its chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang said RMAF was open to the procurement of all types of helicopters including EC725.

Having said that, he added, the capability of all RMAF's existing assets and workforce would be optimised.

On whether RMAF was eyeing the Yak 130 during his visit to Russia last April, Affendi said the procurement process for the light combat aircraft was still at the preliminary stage.

“I only saw it at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2019 and I visited Russia in response to the country's invitation to get a better picture of the aircraft particularly the radar system and weaponry,” he said.

He said this to Bernama in a special interview in conjunction with RMAF's 61st anniversary tomorrow.

On the redevelopment project at RMAF's base in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan, he said it had yet to be completed.

“At this point, the readiness of the facilities are at the final stage and awaiting the certificate of completion and compliance,” he added.